Contoocook River Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Contoocook River | Concord, New Hampshire

Has it been a long week at the office or on the job? Do you need to get away from the house and yard work? Do you need to spend time together as a family or a couple? If you answered “yes” then the Contoocook River is calling you!

Come spend the day relaxing on the river either in a rented kayak or canoe. We are equipped with 12’ single recreational kayaks, 14’-6” single light touring kayaks and double (tandem) kayaks. If you prefer canoeing we have 15’ and 17’ canoes to rent. If stand up paddling boarding is what you are looking for we have 10' to 12' paddle boards to rent.

We offer a 9-mile trip that begins in Contoocook Village just down from a historic railroad station and wooden covered railroad bridge. The paddle back to our shop is a down river leisurely paddle on flat water. Paddling time is approx. 3 to 5 hours. During your trip you will paddle through the Mast Yard State Forest and through the City of Concord Lehtinen Park. As you paddle down river you will find places to picnic, swim and great spots to fish for bass, pickerel and trout. The scenery along the river is forested with beaches here and there. You will enjoy the abundance of wildlife such as osprey, otters, ducks, blue herons, king fishers, beaver, deer, bear and many other beautiful creatures that make their home along the Contoocook River.

If a 9 mile paddle is more than what you want to do you can rent a kayak or canoe and put it in the Contoocook River at our beach and paddle up or down the river and back to our beach. An easy 2 mile paddle up river will bring you to Daisy Beach, a great beach for swimming and picnicking. Daisy Beach is located in Lehtinen Park, a 200 acre City of Concord park. Within the park there are many marked hiking trails. What a day that makes, a nice paddle and a hike in the park.

What are you waiting for?

Reservations

Reservations are highly recommended to ensure availability. They are required for large groups. Reservations can be made by calling the shop at (603) 753-9804. If you are on a shuttle you must arrive 45 minutes before departure. RESERVATIONS CAN NOT BE MADE BY EMAIL.

What should you bring?

Water (2 quarts)

Bathing suit& Towel

Sunglasses

Hat

Sunscreen

Lunch

Trash bag

Extra change of clothes

River shoes, sandals or an old pair of shoes

Dry bag to keep items dry

Camera

Outings

School Trips and Youth Outings

Contoocook River Canoe Co. LLC specializes in outfitting larger groups. We offer a 10% discount when (5) or more canoes, kayaks or paddleboards are rented. School trips, summer day camps, youth and church groups, scout troops, chem.-free outings – we welcome.

Company and Group Outings

Tired of the traditional indoor family or office functions? Need to boost the moral of your employees? If the answer is yes than drop the functions and have a family, alumni or office outing on the Contoocook River that everyone will rave about. Large groups and company outings are easily accommodated five days a week. We offer a 10% discount when (5) or more canoes, kayaks or paddleboards are rented. Call to inquire about renting space for “after-paddling” barbequing and picnicking.

Safety & Liability:

There are inherent risks in a trip on the river. Because of this, Contoocook River Canoe Co. LLC does not assume responsibility for the injury, death or loss of property. You will be required to watch a safety video and sign a liability release form before running the river. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent’s or guardian’s signature. Any one under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

No alcohol allowed.

Life jackets must be worn.

HOURS OF OPERATION

(Contoocook River rentals only)

Mid May to end of September (call to confirm beginning and end of season).

Monday: June through August 9:00am to 5:00pm

Tuesday: June through August 9:00am to 5:00pm

Wednesday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Thursday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

We close the Contoocook River rentals at the end of September.

PADDLING OPTIONS - CANOE & KAYAK

OPTION #1 - Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle from our beach and back to our beach. No transportation up river:

Any time the shop is open.

Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:00pm we offer an evening paddle all kayaks and canoes are $12.00 each for 2 hours. Put in at our beach only.

OPTION #2 - Rent a kayak or canoe and be shuttled up river 9 miles and paddle back to our shop. (If you own your own kayak or canoe we can shuttle it up river for a fee) (Reservations required)

Shuttle Times: (General Public) For the Contoocook River Only (Must arrive at the shop 45 minutes prior to departure)

Monday through Friday: 10:00 am

Saturday: 9:00am, 10:30am, 11:30am

Sunday: 9:00am, 10:30am, 11:30am

Starting September: The shuttles on the Contoocook River are weekends only.

If you are a school, church, company, camp, or large family group we are able to schedule shuttle times that work with your schedule.

RATES

Renting from our beach option #1:

Rent a kayak or canoe and put it in the Contoocook River at our beach (shop) and paddle back to our beach (shop). (No shuttle) Rental includes boat, life jacket and paddle.

$30.00 Canoe

$30.00 (2) Person kayak

$24.00 (1) Person 12’ recreational kayak

$28.00 (1) Person 14’-6” light touring kayak

$12.00 Thursday evening paddle (per kayak or canoe) 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

$3.00 Launch fee (per boat) to put in at Contoocook River Canoe Co.

Rental with shuttle option #2: (Reservations required)

Rental a kayak or canoe and be shuttled up river. Rental includes shuttle, kayak or canoe, life jacket and paddle. (Shuttling you and your rented kayak or canoe 9 miles up river and paddle back to our shop)